Apple has released the iOS 26.3 public beta, giving non developers an early look at the next iPhone update just days after the first developer beta.
As expected for a pre holiday release, this one is light on big changes, but it still brings a few meaningful additions worth noting.
If you are already running the beta, here is what iOS 26.3 introduces so far.
A New Set of Weather Wallpapers
iOS 26.3 adds a small but welcome visual refresh with new Weather themed wallpapers. These live inside a dedicated Weather section and are designed to complement Apple’s dynamic lock screen system.
They are subtle, polished, and very Apple. Nothing flashy, but a nice option if you want something fresh without installing third party wallpaper apps.
Notification Forwarding Settings Appear
One of the more important changes in iOS 26.3 is the addition of notification forwarding settings. This feature allows iPhone notifications to be forwarded to a third party device, such as a non Apple wearable.
At launch, notification forwarding works with only one device at a time, meaning notifications will not appear on an Apple Watch if a third party accessory is selected instead. Users can also choose which apps are allowed to forward notifications.
This feature is closely tied to regulatory requirements in the EU, but it is present in the public beta worldwide.
Easier Transfer From iPhone to Android
Apple is also making it simpler to switch platforms. iOS 26.3 includes a new Transfer to Android option that lets users move data wirelessly to an Android phone without installing a separate app.
The tool supports transferring photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, and more. Some data, like health information and locked notes, does not make the jump, but the process is far smoother than before.
You will find the option under: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Transfer to Android
A Quiet Update, for Now
That is everything discovered in the iOS 26.3 public beta so far. The update is intentionally conservative, which makes sense given Apple’s holiday schedule. Fewer changes now means fewer bugs users have to live with over the break.
The next beta is not expected until early 2026. When it arrives, we may see more features surface.
If you have installed iOS 26.3 and noticed anything else new, there is a good chance more is hiding under the surface. For now, this is a small update, but not an insignificant one.
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